Control device, communication device for control, relay device, control system, control method, control program to realize control method thereof, and computer-readable recording medium having program thereof recorded

ABSTRACT

A gateway device includes a third block communicating information, and a control unit controlling the third block so as to generate second information representing an operation of an air conditioner and to transmit the second information to the air conditioner based on first information representing control contents of the air conditioner received by the third block. Accordingly, an apparatus connected to a network and absent of a high-level circuit can be controlled at high level.

This application is a Divisional of co-pending application Ser. No.10/551,347, filed on Sep. 28, 2005, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference and for which priority is claimed under35 U.S.C. § 120.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a control device controlling anappliance, a communication device for control, a relay device, a controlsystem, a control method, a control program to realize that controlmethod, and a computer-readable recording medium having that programrecorded. Particularly, the present invention relates to a controldevice for remote-controlling and monitoring, as necessary, electricalhousehold appliances through radio communication and the like, acommunication device for control, a relay device, a control system, acontrol method, a control program to realize that control method, and acomputer-readable recording medium having that program recorded.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, air conditioners are controlled by operating anancillary remote controller. The user operates the button on the remotecontroller, whereby information of controlling the air conditioner istransmitted to the air conditioner main unit through infraredcommunication. The air conditioner main unit initiates an operation uponreceiving the control information. The air conditioner main unitnotifies the user of receiving control information by sounding a beep orthe like. Whether the appliance is operating as desired or not isconfirmed visually. This may also be confirmed by the beeping sound fromthe appliance. Such confirmation is allowed since the user controls theappliance within the coverage of the signal under infraredcommunication. In other words, the user can conduct remote-control ofthe appliance only in the range where the signal of infraredcommunication can be reached.

To effect control of an electrical household appliance such as an airconditioner, it was necessary to use a dedicated remote controllerassociated with each appliance. The user had to administer a pluralityof remote controllers corresponding to the number of the applianceshe/she possess.

To solve such a problem, development of a universal remote controllertaking advantage of a network is in progress. A universal remotecontroller can control a plurality of appliances through one remotecontroller.

The architecture of a network to derive the maximum performance of auniversal remote controller is also in progress. The communicationstandard of ECHONET®, for example, is one of such networks. Householdappliances are connected to a communication network called the ECHONET®to allow control from a control apparatus on the network.

Various approaches have been proposed based on such techniques.Specifically, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2002-232978 (PatentDocument 1) discloses a remote controller transmitting controlinformation including an ID for identifying a target device that is tobe controlled, and a converter converting the control information into aprotocol suited to the device that is to be controlled, directed tocontrolling devices connected to the network. Japanese PatentLaying-Open No. 2002-34023 (Patent Document 2) discloses a communicationsystem transmitting to a base apparatus the information entered by theuser through a touch panel on a display device when the user is tocontrol a device located far away. The base apparatus transmits controlsignals that are a converted version of the information towards thetarget under-control device.

However, Patent Document 1 discloses the problem that the cost isincreased when control information of appliances connected to thenetwork is to be converted into a protocol corresponding to the network.This is because, in order to realize such network communication control,high-level circuits such as a memory circuit and control device having acapacity considerably greater than that of the software in conventionalapparatuses are required. The reason why such high-level circuits arerequired is due to the large capacity and high level of software and thelike. In the case where an appliance is controlled through the network,there may be an event of a plurality of users controlling a plurality ofappliances using a plurality of universal remote controllers. Thiscorresponds to the case where high-level control complying with theplurality of users is required. For example, the control and userinterface may have to differ for each user. The foregoing converterprovides no measures for such circumstances.

A similar problem occurs in the case where control signals correspondingto a converted version of the input information are to be transmitted,as disclosed in Patent Document 2. This control system simply convertsthe protocol. It provides no solving means for a high-level circuit andthe like in accordance with the networked appliance. Thus, a similarproblem occurs.

In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is toprovide a control device that can control at high level an applianceconnected to a network, particularly an appliance connected to a networkand absent of a high-level circuit, a communication device for control,a relay device, a control system, a control method, a control program torealize the control method, and a computer-readable recording mediumhaving the program recorded.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, a control deviceincludes first communication means for communicating information,generation means for generating, based on first information representingcontrol contents of an appliance received from the first communicationmeans, second information representing an operation of the appliance,and first control means for controlling the first communication meanssuch that the second information is transmitted to the appliance.

Accordingly, the second information representing an operation of theappliance is generated at the control device. As a result, a controldevice that can control at high level an appliance connected to anetwork and absent of a high-level circuit, can be provided.

The generation means set forth preferably includes first storage meansfor storing third information representing an operation to generate thesecond information, and operation means for generating the secondinformation by an operation represented by the third information.

Accordingly, the second information representing an operation of theappliance is generated by an operation represented by the thirdinformation. As a result, a control device that can control at highlevel an appliance connected to a network and absent of a high-levelcircuit can be provided.

Alternatively, the first storage means set forth above preferablyincludes modification means for storing the third information such thatat least a portion can be modified.

Alternatively, the first storage means set forth above preferablyincludes means for storing a plurality of third information incorrespondence with the appliance. In addition, the control devicefurther preferably includes select means for selecting any of theplurality of third information based on fourth information thatidentifies the appliance and received by the first communication means.In addition, the operation means preferably includes means forgenerating the second information by an operation represented by thethird information selected by the select means.

Accordingly, the operation means can generate second information by anyof a plurality of operations, based on a transmission source. As aresult, a control device that can control at high level a plurality ofappliances connected to a network and absent of a high-level circuit,can be provided.

The first communication means set forth above preferably includes aplurality of communication means selectively used according to atransmission destination.

Furthermore, the control device set forth above preferably includessecond storage means for storing, in correspondence with a user, fifthinformation representing a permitted appliance of which an operation bythe user is permitted among appliances, and second control means forcontrolling the first communication means such that informationincluding the fifth information corresponding to a user of atransmission source of the first information is transmitted to thetransmission source in response to reception, by the first communicationmeans, of seventh information identifying the user of the transmissionsource of the first information and eighth information requestingidentification of an appliance.

Accordingly, the fifth information corresponding to a user can betransmitted to the transmission source. As a result, a control devicethat can control at high level an appliance connected to a network andabsent of a high-level circuit, and that can transmit informationcorresponding to the user to the transmission source, can be provided.

The control device set forth above preferably includes means forcounting time. In addition, the information transmitted by the secondcontrol means preferably includes information representing the time.

The control device set forth above preferably includes determinationmeans for determining whether the second information is to be generatedor not by the generation means based on the information identifying thetransmission source.

Accordingly, determination can be made as to whether the secondinformation is to be generated or not by the generation means, based onthe transmission source. As a result, a control device that can controlat high level an appliance connected to a network and absent of ahigh-level circuit, based on the determination of the transmissionsource, can be provided.

Alternatively, the information identifying the transmission source setforth above preferably includes any of the seventh informationidentifying the user of the transmission source and the tenthinformation identifying a device of the transmission source.

Accordingly, determination can be made as to whether the secondinformation is to be generated or not by the generation means, based onany of the user of the transmission source and the device of thetransmission source. As a result, a control device that can control athigh level an appliance connected to a network and absent of ahigh-level circuit, based on any of the user of the transmission sourceand the device of the transmission source, can be provided.

The control device set forth above preferably includes second controlmeans for controlling the first communication means such that ninthinformation including the information to identify an appliance istransmitted to the transmission source based on sixth informationidentifying the transmission source of the first information.

Accordingly, information identifying an appliance can be transmittedbased on the transmission source. As a result, a control device that cancontrol at high level an appliance connected to a network and absent ofa high-level circuit, and that can transmit information identifying anappliance based on the transmission source, can be provided.

Alternatively, the sixth information set forth above preferably includesseventh information identifying the user of the transmission source andtenth information identifying a device of the transmission source. Inaddition, the second control means preferably includes means forcontrolling the first communication means such that ninth information istransmitted in a manner suiting the device and the user of thetransmission source, based on the seventh information and the tenthinformation.

Alternatively, the second control means set forth above preferablyincludes means for controlling the first communication means such thatthe ninth information is transmitted, in response to reception of theeighth information requesting identification of an appliance by thefirst communication means.

Furthermore, the control device set forth above preferably includessecond communication means for communicating information, and thirdcontrol means for controlling the first communication means and secondcommunication means such that eleventh information communicated usingone of the first communication means and second communication means istransmitted to a communication destination differing from thecommunication destination of the eleventh information using the other ofthe first and second communications means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a communicationdevice for control includes input means for entering information,generation means for generating identification information identifying auser of the communication device for control and a communication devicefor control, based on information input by the input means, transmissionand reception means for transmitting identification information andreceiving reception information transmitted based on the identificationinformation, and output means for providing the reception information.

Accordingly, information identifying the user of the communicationdevice for control and the communication device for control aretransmitted, so that information transmitted based on such informationcan be received. As a result, a communication device for control thatcan control at high level an appliance connected to a network, based onthe identification of both the user and the communication device forcontrol, can be provided.

Furthermore, the identification information set forth above preferablyincludes seventh information identifying a user of the communicationdevice for control, and tenth information identifying a communicationdevice for control.

Accordingly, information identifying the user of the communicationdevice for control and the communication device for control aretransmitted, so that information transmitted based on the informationcan be received. As a result, a communication device for control thatcan control at high level an appliance connected to the network, basedon the identification of both the user and the communication device forcontrol, can be provided.

Any of the seventh information and tenth information set forth abovepreferably includes information unique to an identified subject.

Accordingly, information transmitted based on information unique to anidentified subject can be received. As a result, a communication devicefor control that can control reliably and at high level an applianceconnected to a network, based on identification of both the user and thecommunication device for control, can be provided.

The output means set forth above preferably includes means for providingreception information in response to input of predetermined informationat the input means.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a control systemincludes a communication device for control, a control device, a relaydevice, and an appliance. The communication device for control includesinput means for entering information, communication means forcommunicating information, and output means for providing informationreceived by the communication means. The control device includes firstcommunication means for communicating information, generation means forgenerating, based on first information representing control contents ofan appliance, received from the communication device for control by thefirst communication means, second information representing an operationof the appliance, and first control means for controlling the firstcommunication means such that the second information is transmitted tothe appliance. The relay device includes input means for entering inputinformation from an appliance, first conversion means for converting theinput information into information to be transmitted to the controldevice, communication means for communicating with the control device,second conversion means for converting the information received from thecontrol device into conversion information that can be used by theappliance, and output means for providing the conversion information tothe appliance. The appliance includes control means for controlling theappliance based on the conversion information, and output means forproviding information related to control by the control means.

Accordingly, the second information representing an operation of theappliance is generated at the control device. As a result, a controlsystem that can control at high level an appliance connected to anetwork and absent of a high-level circuit, can be provided.

In the control system set forth above, the communication device forcontrol preferably includes generation means for generatingcommunication information that identifies any of the communicationdevice for control itself and the user of the communication device forcontrol. In addition, the communication means of the communicationdevice for control preferably includes transmission and reception meansfor transmitting communication information, and receiving receptioninformation transmitted based on the communication information.

In the control system set forth above, the communication device forcontrol preferably includes generation means for generatingcommunication information that identifies the communication device forcontrol itself and the user of the communication device for control. Inaddition, the communication means of the communication device forcontrol preferably includes transmission and reception means fortransmitting communication information and receiving receptioninformation transmitted based on the communication information.

The output means of the communication device for control set forth abovepreferably includes means for providing reception information inresponse to input of predetermined information at the input means of thecommunication device for control.

Furthermore, the control device set forth above preferably includessecond storage means for storing, in correspondence with a user, fifthinformation representing a permitted apparatus of which an operation bythe user is permitted among appliances, and second control means forcontrolling first communication means such that information includingthe fifth information corresponding to a user of a transmission sourceis transmitted to the transmission source in response to reception, bythe first communication means, of seventh information identifying theuser of the transmission source of the first information and eighthinformation requesting identification of the appliance.

Alternatively, the second control means set forth above preferablyincludes means for controlling the first communication means such thatninth information is transmitted in a manner suiting the communicationdevice for control and the user of the transmission source, based on theseventh information identifying the user of the transmission sourcereceived by the first communication means, and tenth informationidentifying the communication device for control of the transmissionsource.

The control device set forth above preferably includes second controlmeans for controlling the first communication means such that ninthinformation including information identifying an appliance istransmitted to the transmission source based on sixth informationidentifying a transmission source of the first information.

Furthermore, the control device set forth above preferably includesmeans for counting the time. In addition, the information to betransmitted by the second control means preferably includes informationrepresenting the time.

Furthermore, the control device set forth above preferably includesdetermination means for determining as to whether second information isto be generated or not by the generation means based on informationidentifying the transmission source.

Alternatively, the information identifying the transmission source setforth above preferably includes any of the seventh informationidentifying the user of the transmission source and the tenthinformation identifying the communication device for control of thetransmission source.

Furthermore, the generation means set forth above preferably includesfirst storage means for storing, in correspondence with any of thecommunication device for control itself and the user of thecommunication device for control, a plurality of third informationrepresenting an operation to generate the second information, andoperation means for generating second information by an operation basedon any of the plurality of third information. In addition, the controldevice preferably includes select means for selecting third informationused in generation of the second information from any of the pluralityof third information, based on communication information identifying anyof the communication device for control itself and the user of thecommunication device for control, received by the first communicationmeans.

Furthermore, the control device set forth above preferably includessecond communication means for communicating information, and thirdcontrol means for controlling the first communication means and secondcommunication means such that eleventh information communicated usingone of the first communication means and the second communication meansis communicated to a communication destination differing from thecommunication destination of the eleventh information using the other ofthe first and second communication means.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a relaycircuit is employed in a control system that includes a communicationdevice for control, a control device, a relay device, and an appliance.The relay device includes input means for entering input informationfrom the appliance, first conversion means for converting the inputinformation into information to be transmitted to the control device,communication means for communicating with the control device, secondconversion means for converting the information received from thecontrol device into conversion information that can be used by theappliance, and output means for providing the conversion information tothe appliance.

Accordingly, information between the control device and the appliancecan be converted. As a result, a relay device that can convertinformation in a control system that can control at high level anappliance connected to a network and absent of a high-level circuit, canbe provided.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a controlmethod includes a first communication step of communicating information,a generation step of generating second information representing anoperation of the appliance, based on the first information representingcontrol contents of an appliance received at the first communicationstep, and a first control step of controlling the first communicationstep such that the second information is transmitted to the appliance.

Thus, a control method that can control at high level an applianceconnected to a network and absent of a high-level circuit, can beprovided.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, a controlprogram causes a computer to execute a first communication step ofcommunicating information, a generation step of generating secondinformation representing an operation of the appliance, based on thefirst information representing control contents of the appliancereceived at the first communication step, and a first control step ofcontrolling the first communication step such that the secondinformation is transmitted to the appliance.

Thus, a program that realizes a control method that can control at highlevel an appliance connected to a network and absent of a high-levelcircuit, can be provided.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a recordingmedium corresponds to a computer-readable recording medium having acontrol program recorded to cause a computer to realize: a firstcommunication step of communicating information, a generation step ofgenerating second information representing an operation of theappliance, based on the first information representing control contentsof the appliance received at the first communication step, and a firstcontrol step of controlling the first communication step such that thesecond information is transmitted to the appliance.

Thus, a computer-readable recording medium having a program recordedthat realizes a control method of controlling at high level an applianceconnected to a network and absent of a high-level circuit, can beprovided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram to describe a configuration of a communicationsystem according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote-control device according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gateway device according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a communication adaptor connected to an airconditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the control procedure of the process oftransmitting transmission information to a gateway device according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 represents the format of a packet transmitted between theremote-control device and gateway device according to the presentembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the control procedure of the display processof displaying display information at an LCD according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the control procedure of a reception processreceiving reception information from a gateway device according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the control procedure of a process ofreceiving reception information from a remote-control device accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the control procedure of a process of an airconditioner application for controlling an air conditioner according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 represents a format of a packet transmitted between acommunication adaptor and air conditioner according to the presentembodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of the control procedure of a process of an airconditioner application monitoring an air conditioner according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of the control procedure of a process whenreception information is received from a gateway device according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart representing a control procedure of a processwhen transmission information is transmitted to an air conditioneraccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a control procedure of a process whenreception information is received from an air conditioner according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart representing a control procedure of a processwhen transmission information is transmitted to a gateway deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a screen for user authentication displayedat an LCD immediately after the power is turned on in a remote-controldevice according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram to describe an example of entering a user IDthrough a key operation by the user at a remote-control device accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram to describe a screen to select an application thatcan be used by the user in a remote-control device according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram to describe a screen to monitor the operation of anair conditioner application in a remote-control device according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram to describe that the screen configuration can bemodified according to the user at the screen to monitor the operation ofthe air conditioner application in the remote control device accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram to describe a screen to display event informationin a remote-control device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter withreference to the drawings. In the following, the same components havethe same reference characters allotted. Their designation and functionare also identical. Therefore, detailed of the description thereof willnot be repeated.

<<System Overview>>

Referring to FIG. 1, a communication system 100 according to anembodiment of the present invention includes a remote-control device104, a gateway device 106, a communication adaptor 108, as well as anair conditioner 111, a television 121, and a washing machine (not shown)as electric household appliances (hereinafter referred to as“appliance”). Gateway device 106 can communicate individually with aplurality of remote-control devices 104 and a plurality of communicationadaptors 108. Gateway device 106 includes a storage unit (ROM 801 andthe like) that will be described afterwards to store applicationsoftware and a database of remote-control devices 104 and/or users.Communication adaptor 108 is a device for relaying data between gatewaydevice 106 and an appliance (air conditioner 111 in present embodiment).Communication adaptor 108 is connected to air conditioner 111 andtelevision 121 through cable.

The number of gateway devices 106 is not necessarily one. A plurality ofgateway devices 106 may communicate with one remote-control device 104.These gateway devices 106 may communicate information received fromremote-control device 104 to relevant appliances through a protocoldiffering for each appliance (or through a different communicationmodule).

<<Configuration of Device>>

[Remote-Control Device 104]

<Configuration of Remote-Control Device 104>

Referring to FIG. 2, remote-control device 104 includes a control unit105, a first block 152, a second block 154, and a third block 156.

<Configuration of Control Unit 113>

Control unit 150 controls each element of remote-control device 104.Control unit 150 is a microcomputer including a CPU (Central ProcessingUnit) 200, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 201, a RAM (Random Access Memory)202, a flash memory 203, and a CF (Compact Flash) memory card drivedevice 206. Control unit 150 is connected through a CPU bus 204.

ROM 201 stores a portion of the control program as well as data requiredfor processing. RAM 202 stores various processing programs. RAM 202 isalso employed as a working area for various processes. As an example, itis used as a temporary storage region of data obtained at variousprocesses. Flash memory 203 is a non-volatile memory. The informationstored in flash memory 203 will not be lost even if the power is turnedoff. CF memory card drive device 206 has a CF memory card 208 loadedthereto.

<Configuration of First Block 152>

First block 152 is a block for the user to enter information toremote-control device 104. First block 152 includes a key input unit108, and an interface 205. Key input unit 103 includes a ten-key, acursor key, and the like. The user can enter information and the likerequired for various setting using key input unit 103.

<Configuration of Second Block 154>

Second block 154 is a block to output information to the user. Secondblock 154 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 102 that is a displayelement, and a display information processing unit 207. LCD 102 displaysinformation obtained from the reception signal, as necessary. Displayinformation processing unit 207 forms a display signal based on theinformation supplied from control unit 150. Display informationprocessing unit 207 provides this signal to LCD 102.

<Configuration of Third Block 156>

Third block 156 is a block to conduct radio communication with gatewaydevice 106. Third block 156 includes a communication antenna 101, aduplexer 210, a reception processing unit 211, a decode unit 212, atransmission processing unit 213, and a transmission signal generationunit 214. Communication antenna 101 establishes radio communication withgateway device 106. Duplexer 210 functions to prevent interferencebetween a transmission signal and a reception signal. Receptionprocessing unit 211 carries out processing such as demodulation of asupplied signal. Decode unit 212 supplies the signal demodulated atreception processing unit 211 to control unit 150. Transmissionprocessing unit 213 carries out processing such as modulating and/oramplifying a supplied transmission signal to form a transmission signalin the format that is to be actually transmitted. Transmission signalgeneration unit 214 converts the transmitted information from controlunit 150 into a transmission signal for transmission to gateway device106, and supplies the converted signal to transmission antenna 101through duplexer 210.

The present device is realized by computer hardware and softwareexecuted by CPU 200. Such software is distributed in a stored form in arecording medium such as a CF memory card 208, and read out from therecording medium by CF memory card drive device 206 and the like. Thesoftware read out is temporarily stored in RAM 202. This software isexecuted by CPU 200. The hardware per se of the computer is a generalone. Therefore, the most essential portion of the present inventioncorresponds to the software recorded in a recording medium such as CFmemory card 208.

Since the operation of the computer per se shown in the drawings is wellknown, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[Gateway Device 106]

<Configuration of Gateway Device 106>

Referring to FIG. 3, gateway device 106 includes a control unit 113, afirst block 114, a second block 116, a third block 118, and a fourthblock 120.

<Configuration of Control Unit 113>

Control unit 113 controls various elements of gateway device 106.Control unit 113 is a microcomputer, including a CPU 800, a ROM 801, aRAM 802, a flash memory 803, an FD (Flexible Disk) drive device 818, anda CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) drive device 820. Control unit113 is connected via a CPU bus 804. ROM 801, RAM 802, and flash memory803 are generically referred to as a storage unit.

The operation of CPU 800 will be described hereinafter. The firstoperation corresponds to control of various elements of control unit113. The second operation corresponds to counting the time. The thirdoperation corresponds to information processing required to control anappliance. This information processing is directed to specificallyascertaining the operation of each appliance. Accordingly, CPU 800partakes a portion of the function of each appliance. As a result, eachappliance, though absent of a circuit or the like corresponding to acertain function, can function in a manner similar to that of anappliance including such a circuit. This will be described afterwardsbased on a specific example.

ROM 801 stores various processing programs and data required forrespective processing. The required data includes an apparatus ID undercontrol of gateway device 106. Respective processing programs areexecuted at control unit 113 of gateway device 106. The processingprogram includes, for example, a news application, a weatherapplication, a provider application, and the like. News application isdirected to connecting to the Internet via a telephone line 112 toreceive presentation of information such as news, and to transmit mailreceived from remote-control device 104. The weather application isdirected to receiving information such as the weather forecast inaccordance with a method similar to that of a news application. Theprovider application is directed to establishing access to the datastored in flash memory 830 to present the information to the user. Theseapplications include a database to notify the user of informationaccording to the role of each application. This information is referredto as event information. Control unit 113 executing these applicationsgenerates event information using the data included in the database, andinformation obtained from an appliance such as air conditioner 111and/or information obtained from an appliance establishing communicationthrough telephone line 112. A specific example of the event informationwill be described afterwards.

RAM 802 is used as the working area for various processing. For example,it is used as a temporary storage region for data obtained at respectiveprocessing. RAM 802 additionally serves to store the user ID, thecontrol apparatus ID of remote-control device 104, and controlapplications. The user ID and the control apparatus ID of remote-controldevice 104 are stored in RAM 802 in the form of a database. The controlapplication is directed to controlling and monitoring an applianceconnected to communication adaptor 108. The control application carriesout such processes by communicating with communication adaptor 108through radio communication. The control application includes an airconditioner application that will be described afterwards. Other controlapplications include a television application for controlling and/ormonitoring television 121, and a washing machine application forcontrolling and/or monitoring a washing machine. These applications areset corresponding to a relevant appliance. CPU 800 determines theapplication to be activated based on the information identifying anappliance, transmitted from remote-control device 104. Specific contentsof this information identifying an apparatus will be describedafterwards. In the present embodiment, all these applications representprograms. However, the application is not particularly limited to aprogram, and is arbitrary as long as it can generate informationrepresenting an operation of an appliance. For example, a predetermineddata row may be employed instead of an application. In this case, CPU800 uses such a data row to activate a program that generates orcontrols information representing an operation of an appliance. CPU 800selects a data row to generate information representing an operation ofan appliance from a predetermined data row in that program. Selection ofa data row is based on information specifying an appliance, transmittedfrom remote-control device 104. When a new control application is added,it is stored in RAM 802.

Flash memory 803 is a non-volatile memory. Flash memory 803 stores auser authentication database, a remote-control device database, a useraccess database, a user customized database, various setting parameters,and the like. The information stored in flash memory 803 will not belost even if the power is turned off. The user authentication databaseis based on elements such as a user ID (Identification Data) identifyinga user, an application ID identifying an application that can becontrolled by the user, and the like. The remote-control device databaseis based on elements such as a control apparatus ID identifying aremote-control device 104, the size and performance of the LCD of thatapparatus, the apparatus processing ability, and the like. The useraccess database is based on the elements of a user ID identifying a userand a control apparatus ID identifying a remote-control device 104. Thisdatabase serves to identify which user is conducting communication fromwhich remote-control device 104. The user customized database is basedon the elements of a user ID identifying a user and applicationinformation. Application information corresponds to display informationand the like customized for display at remote-control device 104according to the user. The user customized database is generated byrespective applications.

The present device is realized by computer hardware and softwareexecuted by CPU 800. In general, such software is distributed in astored form in a recording medium such as a FD 822 or a CD-ROM 824, andread out from the recording medium by an FD drive device 818, a CD-ROM820 drive device, or the like. The software read out is temporarilystored in RAM 802. The software is executed by CPU 800. The computerhardware per se shown here is a general one. Therefore, the mostessential portion of the present invention corresponds to the softwarerecorded in a recording medium such as FD 822 or CD-ROM 824.

Since the operation of the computer per se shown in the drawings iswell-known, details of the description thereof will not be repeated.

RAM 802 can also store the software of a control application that canhave the contents arbitrarily modified. Such a control application maybe rewritable for each software via CD-ROM 824, or a portion of thesoftware may be rewritable using an editor or the like.

Gateway device 106 may be a device including a communication circuit foreach group of a plurality of appliances. Gateway device 106 may be adevice including a communication circuit for each appliance.

<Configuration of First Block 114>

First block 114 is a block for the user to directly control gatewaydevice 106. First block 114 includes an interface 805, and a key inputunit 806. Key input unit 806 includes a power-on key and various settingkeys. The user can turn on/off the main power of gateway device 106and/or enter various settings through key input unit 806.

<Configuration of Second Block 116>

Second block 116 is a block for connection with a telephone networkand/or a communication network such as the Internet through a telephoneline 112. Second block 116 includes a communication unit 807 and aninterface 808. Communication unit 807 includes a modem identified as amodulator-demodulator. Communication unit 807 communicates various datawith a party connected to telephone line 112. In a transmission mode,communication unit 807 modulates signals from control unit 113, andsupplies the modulated signals to interface 808. In a reception mode,communication unit 807 demodulates the signals from interface 808, andsupplies the demodulated signals to control unit 113. Interface 808 isan interface between telephone line 112 and communication unit 807 ofgateway device 106. Interface 808 receives signals transmitted throughtelephone line 112, and transmits the signals from gateway device 106 totelephone line 112. Gateway device 106 can be connected to the Internetvia communication unit 807, interface 808, telephone line 112, and apredetermined ISP (Internet Service Provider). Upon connection to theInternet, gateway device 106 can receive news information as well astransmit/receive electronic mail.

<Configuration of Third Block 118>

Third block 118 is a block to establish radio communication withremote-control device 104. In the present embodiment, the radiocommunication between remote-control device 104 and gateway device 106is established using a specific low-power radio communication. Theapplication directed to communication has a predetermined channelfrequency of the specific low power radio communication specified inadvance. Third block 118 includes a first antenna 105, a transmissionsignal generation unit 809, a transmission processing unit 810, areception processing unit 811, and a duplexer 812. First antenna 105transmits/receives a radio wave to/from an appliance (air conditioner111 in the present embodiment). Transmission signal generation unit 809converts the information generated by CPU 800 into a transmission signalfor transmission to remote-control device 104. Transmission processingunit 810 forms a transmission signal in the format that is to beactually transmitted by a process of modulating and amplifying atransmission signal. Transmission processing unit 810 transmits throughradio a transmission signal in the format that is to be actuallytransmitted to remote-control device 104 via duplexer 812 and firstantenna 105. Reception processing unit 811 carries out a process such asdemodulation on the supplied signal to provide the signal subjected todemodulation to control unit 113. Duplexer 812 functions to preventinterference between a transmission signal and a reception signal.

<Configuration of Fourth Block 120 and Communication with CommunicationAdaptor>

Fourth block 120 is a block to establish radio communication withcommunication adaptor 108. Fourth block 120 uses a specific low powerradio communication protocol to establish radio communication withgateway device 106. Fourth block 120 includes a second antenna 107, atransmission signal generation unit 814, a transmission processing unit815, a reception processing unit 816, and a duplexer 817. Second antenna107 communicates a radio signal. That radio signal is governed by apredetermined communication protocol transmitted from communicationadaptor 108. Second antenna 107 transmits and receives a signal withrespect to transmission processing unit 815 or reception processing unit816 via duplexer 817. Transmission signal generation unit 814 convertsthe control information from control unit 113 into a control signal fortransmission to communication adapter 108, and supplies the convertedsignal to transmission processing unit 815. By the process of modulatingand/or amplifying the control signal, transmission processing unit 815forms a control signal in the format that is to be actually transmitted.Transmission processing unit 815 transmits the control information tocommunication adaptor 108 via duplexer 817 and second antenna 107.Reception processing unit 816 carries out a process such as demodulationon the supplied signal. Reception processing unit 816 supplies thesignal subjected to demodulation to control unit 113. Duplexer 817functions to prevent interference between a transmission signal and areception signal.

[Communication Adaptor 108]

<Configuration of Communication Adaptor 108>

Referring to FIG. 4, communication adaptor 108 includes a control unit140, a first block 142, a second block 144, and a third block 146.

<Configuration of Control Unit 140>

Control unit 140 provides control of various elements in communicationadaptor 108. Control unit 113 is a microcomputer including a CPU 900, aROM 901, and a RAM 902. Control unit 113 is connected via a CPU bus 903.

ROM 901 stores various processing programs executed at control unit 140of communication adaptor 108, data required for processing, and thelike.

RAM 902 is mainly employed as the working area for various processing.As an example, it used as a temporary storage region of data obtained byvarious processing.

<Configuration of First Block 142>

First block 114 is a block for the user to directly controlcommunication adaptor 108. First block 142 includes a key input unit913, and an interface 914. Key input unit 913 includes setting keys suchas a dip switch. When the user is to use air conditioner 111 withcommunication adaptor 108 connected, the channel and the like forestablishing specific low power radio communication with gateway device106 are set using the dip switch of key input unit 913.

<Configuration of Second Block 144>

Second block 144 is a block to establish radio communication withgateway device 106. Second block 144 of the present embodimentestablishes radio communication using a specific low power radiocommunication protocol. Second block 144 includes an antenna 109, atransmission signal generation unit 904, a transmission processing unit905, a reception processing unit 906, and a duplexer 907. Antenna 109communicates a radio signal to gateway device 106. This radio signal isgoverned by a predetermined communication protocol. Transmission signalgeneration unit 904 supplies a signal to transmission processing unit905. By processing the signal supplied from signal generation unit 904,transmission processing unit 905 generates a signal in the format thatis to be actually transmitted. The processing includes modulating and/oramplifying a signal supplied from transmission signal generation unit904. Transmission processing unit 905 transmits the generated signal toair conditioner 111 via antenna 109 and duplexer 906. Receptionprocessing unit 906 receives a radio signal via duplexer 907. Receptionprocessing unit 906 provides the supplied radio signal to control unit140. The signal provided to control unit 140 is already subjected toprocessing such as demodulation. Duplexer 907 functions to preventinterference between a transmission signal and a reception signal.

<Configuration of Third Block 146>

Third block 146 is a block to communicate with air conditioner 111. Airconditioner 111 communicates in serial communication such as of UART(Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter). Third block 146 includesa transmission signal generation unit 909, a transmission processingunit 910, a reception processing unit 911, and an interface 912.Transmission signal generation unit 909 converts transmissioninformation into a transmission signal. The transmission information isoutput from control unit 140. The transmission signal is transmitted toair conditioner 111. Transmission signal generation unit 909 suppliesthe signal to transmission processing unit 910. Transmission processingunit 910 provides the transmission signal in the format that is to beactually transmitted to air conditioner 111. The signal is supplied toair conditioner 111 via interface 912 and a terminal 110 for connectionwith air conditioner 111. A terminal on the part of air conditioner 111(not shown) connected to terminal 110 functions in a manner similar tothat of the well-known infrared light receiver. Transmission processingunit 910 processes the transmission signal supplied from transmissionsignal generation unit 909 to form a transmission signal in the formatthat is to be actually transmitted. The contents of processing thereofinclude modulation, amplification, and the like. Reception processingunit 911 modulates a signal into information through a process such asdemodulation.

It is needless to say that the configuration of communication system 100is not limited to the specific example shown in FIGS. 1-4. An additionalfunction not disclosed in any of FIGS. 1-4 may be included, and not allthe functions disclosed in FIGS. 1-4 have to be included. For example,the appliance communicating with gateway device 106 is not limited toonly an air conditioner 111. The appliance communicating with gatewayapparatus 106 may be a plurality of air conditioners. Further, theappliance communicating with gateway device 106 may be a plurality ofappliances of different types.

<<Operation of Each Device (Flow Chart)>>

[Remote-Control Device 104]

<Transmission Process>

Referring to FIG. 5, the program executed by remote-control device 104includes a control configuration set forth below, in association withthe process of transmitting transmission information to gateway device106.

At step (hereinafter, step abbreviated as S) 10, CPU 200 waits for aninput from key input unit 103 upon being powered on. At S11, CPU 200determines whether the key input from the user is a transmission requestto gateway device 106. In the present embodiment, CPU 200 determineswhether the key input corresponds to a transmission request or not basedon whether the decision key transmission button in key input unit 103 isdepressed or not. Upon determination of the key input corresponding to atransmission request (YES at S11), control proceeds to S12, otherwise(NO at S11), control proceeds to S13.

At S12, CPU 200 supplies the control apparatus ID stored in ROM 201, theuser ID stored in RAM 202, and the operation information input throughan operation by the user at the operation screen of FIG. 20 asinstruction information to transmission signal generation signal unit214. Instruction information is one type of transmission information.Transmission signal generation unit 214 converts the transmissioninformation from control unit 150 into transmission signals fortransmission to gateway device 106, and provides these signals totransmission processing unit 213. Transmission processing unit 213conducts processing such as modulation and amplification of the suppliedtransmission signals to form transmission signals in the format that isto be actually transmitted, and transmits these signals through radio togateway device 106 via duplexer 210 and communication antenna 101.Referring to FIG. 6, the format of a packet communicated betweenremote-control device 104 and gateway device 106 according to thepresent embodiment will be described hereinafter. The packet includes aspace area 300, a synchronous code area 302, a frequency channel dataarea 304, an identification code area 306, a user data area 308, and anerror detection code area 310. Space area 300 represents the so-calledblank area. Synchronous code area 302 includes the synchronous code.Frequency channel data area 304 includes data representing the frequencychannel. Identification code area 306 includes data representingidentification codes. User data area 308 includes user data. In thepresent embodiment, the user ID, control apparatus ID, and operationinformation representing the control contents of an appliance isincluded. “Information identifying an appliance” to select the foregoingcontrol application is included here. In the present embodiment, theinformation is a numeric identifying an appliance, stored in RAM 202 ofremote-control device 104 and flash memory 803 of gateway device 106. Inthe present embodiment, values input by the user are employed for thesevalues. Error detection code area 310 includes the so-called errordetection code. Determination is made whether data has been transmittedproperly or not based on this data.

At S13, CPU 200 stores the operation information input via key inputunit 103 into RAM 202. CPU 200 generates display information from thatinformation.

<Display Process>

Referring to FIG. 7, the program executed at remote-control device 104includes a control configuration set forth below, in association with adisplay process for displaying the display information at LCD 102subsequent to power-on of remote-control device 104.

When remote-control device 104 is turned on at S14, CPU 200 reads outthe activation program from ROM 201, and executes that activationprogram. CPU 200 provides to display information processing unit 207 theinformation of a screen to enter a user ID. Display informationprocessing unit 207 forms a display signal from this information.Display information processing unit 207 supplies this signal to LCD 102.

At S15, CPU 200 waits for input of display information. In the presentembodiment, CPU 200 assumes that display information has been input whendata is written into a certain region for display information. Thiscertain region is included in RAM 202.

At S16, CPU 200 supplies the input display information to displayinformation processing unit 207. Display information processing unit 207supplies a display signal to LCD 102 based on this information. LCD 102provides an image display. In the case where the display of LCD 102 isto be modified through an instruction by the user, the input from keyinput unit 103 is supplied to control unit 150 via interface 205.Control unit 150 supplies the display information corresponding to thekey input to display information processing unit 207.

<Reception Process>

Referring to FIG. 8, the program executed by remote-control device 104includes a control configuration set forth below, in association with areception process of receiving reception information from gateway device106 subsequent to power-on of remote-control device 104.

When power is supplied at S17, control unit 150 waits until informationfrom gateway device 106 is received. The radio signal transmitted bygateway device 106 is received by communication antenna 101 ofremote-control device 104. This radio signal is supplied to signalprocessing unit 211 through duplexer 210. Reception processing unit 211carries out the process of demodulating a supplied signal and the like.The signal subjected to demodulation is supplied to decode unit 212.Display information to operate application software, event information,and the like are transmitted from gateway device 106. Decode unit 212supplies the signal demodulated at reception processing unit 211 tocontrol unit 150. The signal is restored to the former informationaccording to respective data formats prior to supply to control unit150.

At S18, CPU 200 determines whether the received information is eventinformation or not. When determination is made of the receivedinformation being event information (YES at S18), control proceeds toS19, otherwise (NO at S18), control proceeds to S20. At S19, CPU 200stores the event information in RAM 202. At S20, CPU 200 generatesdisplay information.

[Gateway Device 106]

<Reception Process>

Referring to FIG. 9, the program executed at gateway device 106 includesa control configuration set forth below, in association with the processof receiving reception information from remote-control device 104.

At S50, CPU 800 carries out a log-in process with remote-control device104. CPU 800 waits for reception of reception information fromremote-control device 104. The radio signal representing receptioninformation, transmitted from remote-control device 104, is receivedthrough first antenna 105 of gateway device 106. The received radiosignal is supplied to reception processing unit 811 via duplexer 812.Reception processing unit 811 carries out the process of demodulatingthe supplied signal and the like to provide the signal subjected to thedemodulation to CPU 800. When there is no reception for a predeterminedperiod of time, CPU 800 carries out a log-off process withremote-control device 104. Subsequent to log-off, CPU 800 carries out alog-in process at predetermined cases. Predetermined cases include thecase of receiving information representing log-in from remote-controldevice 104. It is postulated that CPU 800 is currently executing theactivation program. CPU 800 can execute the activation program byreading out the activation program from ROM 801. CPU 800 can read outthe activation program when gateway device 106 is turned on.

At S51, CPU 800 determines whether the user ID is registered or not.This user ID is included in the reception information received fromremote-control device 104. Whether the user ID is registered or not canbe identified by searching through the user authentication database. Theuser authentication database is stored in flash memory 803. Whendetermination is made that the user ID is registered (YES at S51),control proceeds to S52, otherwise (NO at S51), control proceeds to S56.

At S52, CPU 800 registers the user ID and control apparatus ID at theuser access database stored in flash memory 803. CPU 800 sets incorrespondence the user with the received user ID and remote-controldevice 104 with the received control apparatus ID. In the presentembodiment, such correspondence is established by registering datarepresenting the relationship between a user ID and control apparatus IDat the user access database. Thus, the user with the relevant user IDcan be clearly identified as the one using remote-control device 104with the relevant control apparatus ID.

At S53, CPU 800 determines whether the reception information includesuser authentication information or not. The user authenticationinformation is indicative of user authentication being requested. Theuser authentication information includes a user ID and control apparatusID. When determination is made that the received reception informationincludes user authentication information (YES at S53), control proceedsto S54, otherwise (NO at S53), control proceeds to S55.

At S54, CPU 800 searches for information representing an applicationthat can be used by the user with the received user ID from the userauthentication database. CPU 800 searches for that information based onthe received user ID. CPU 800 generates application informationrepresenting the application that can be used by that user. CPU 800provides that application information to transmission signal generationunit 809.

At S55, CPU 800 determines whether the received reception information isoperation information required to operate an appliance. CPU 800 storesthe operation information in RAM 802. The operation information includesinformation to identify the appliance that is the subject of control.CPU 800 can control a certain appliance based on that information. Inthe present embodiment, that appliance is air conditioner 111.

At S56, CPU 800 identifies the transmission source of the receptioninformation. The transmission source is identified from the controlapparatus ID included in the reception information. CPU 800 generateserror information for remote-control device 104 of the transmissionsource. The contents of error information are representative of the userID not being registered and refusing acceptance of the applianceoperation. The error information is displayed at LCD 102 ofremote-control device 104. CPU 800 supplies the error information totransmission signal generation unit 809.

<Process of Air Conditioner Application>

Referring to FIG. 10, the program executed by gateway device 106includes a control configuration set forth below, in association withthe operation of an air conditioner application directed to controllingair conditioner 111.

At S57, CPU 800 waits until reception information is received fromeither remote-control device 104 or communication adaptor 108, based onthe activated application.

At S58, CPU 800 determines whether the user with the received user IDcan operate air conditioner 111 or not. This determination is based onthe information included in the user authentication database. CPU 800searches for that information in the user authentication database basedon the user ID. When determination is made that the user can operate airconditioner 111 (YES at S58), control proceeds to S59, otherwise (NO atS58), control proceeds to S63. At S59, CPU 800 generates controlinformation directed to controlling air conditioner 111 based on theoperation information included in the reception information.

At S60, CPU 800 determines whether the generated control information isthe control information of the air conditioner main unit. “Whethercontrol information of the air conditioner main unit” refers to whetherit is information to be transmitted to air conditioner 111 or not. Whendetermination is made that the control information is directed to theair conditioner main unit (YES at S60), control proceeds to S61,otherwise (NO at S60), control proceeds to S62.

At S61, CPU 800 stores the user ID, control apparatus ID, and thecontrol information included in the reception information to RAM 802 astransmission data. This process is directed to identifying which userand which control information it corresponds to, when information isreceived from air conditioner 111. CPU 800 supplies the controlinformation to transmission signal generation unit 814. Transmissionsignal generation unit 814 converts the control information from controlunit 113 into a control signal for transmission to communication adaptor108, and supplies the converted control signal to transmissionprocessing unit 815. Transmission processing unit 815 forms a controlsignal in the format that is to be actually transmitted by applyingprocessing such as modulating and/or amplifying the control signal.Transmission processing unit 815 transmits the control information tocommunication adaptor 108 via duplexer 817 and second antenna 107. Thecontrol information is supplied to air conditioner 111 via communicationadaptor 108.

At S62, CPU 800 controls respective elements of gateway device 106 basedon the control information. CPU 800 generates display informationrepresenting the result of control based on the control results. CPU 800generates display information corresponding to the user. In the presentembodiment, the display information can be generated based on theinformation included in the user customized database of the airconditioner application. CPU 800 searches for that information from theuser customized database based on the user ID. The user customizeddatabase is stored in flash memory 803. CPU 800 customizes the displayinformation in conformance with the performance of remote-control device104 of the transmission destination. The transmission destination isidentified based on the information included in the remote-controldevice database. CPU 800 searches for that information in theremote-control device database. CPU 800 supplies the customizedinformation to transmission signal generation unit 809.

At S63, CPU 800 identifies the transmission source of the receptioninformation. The transmission source is identified by the controlapparatus ID in the reception information. CPU 800 generates errorinformation for remote-control device 104 of the transmission source.The error information includes the contents of displaying a message thatair conditioner 111 cannot be used at the LCD of remote-control device104. CPU 800 supplies the error information to transmission signalgeneration unit 809.

Referring to FIG. 12, the program executed by gateway device 106includes a control configuration set forth below, in association withthe operation of the air conditioner application for monitoring airconditioner 111.

At S64, CPU 800 reads out and executes each application from flashmemory 803. Based on the activated application, CPU 800 waits untilreception information is received from communication adaptor 108connected to air conditioner 111.

At S65, CPU 800 determines whether the reception information is theevent information voluntarily issued from air conditioner 111. Whendetermination is made of event information (YES at S65), controlproceeds to S66, otherwise (NO at S65), control proceeds to S67.

At S66, CPU 800 searches for the user ID that can operate airconditioner 111 from the user authentication database. CPU 800 furthersearches through the user access database based on the registered userID. Based on the searched result, CPU 800 extracts all the user IDs thatcan use air conditioner 111 and the operating control apparatus IDs thatare currently in access with gateway device 106. CPU 800 generatesrespective event information addressed to remote-control device 804 withthe extracted control apparatus ID. CPU 800 supplies the generated eventinformation to transmission signal generation unit 809. The eventinformation includes operation information. This operation informationis processed in the stages of the two steps set forth hereinafter. Thefirst step corresponds to generation of operation information accordingto the user. CPU 800 generates information based on the informationincluded in the user customized database for air conditioner 111. Thisuser customized database is stored in flash memory 803. CPU 800 searchesthrough this user customized database using each user ID. The secondstep corresponds to generation of operation information in conformancewith the performance of remote-control device 104 of the transmissiondestination. CPU 800 generates information based on the informationincluded in the remote-control device database. This remote-controldevice database is stored in flash memory 803. CPU 800 searches throughthis remote-control device database using each control apparatus ID.

At S67, CPU 800 identifies which control information the receivedinformation corresponds to. CPU 800 extracts the user ID and controlapparatus ID of the transmission destination. CPU 800 supplies thedisplay information generated based on the user ID and control apparatusID to transmission signal generation unit 809. The display informationis processed in the stages of the two steps set forth hereinafter. Thefirst step corresponds to generation of display information according tothe user. CPU 800 generates information based on the informationincluded in the user customized database for air conditioner 111. Thisuser customized database is stored in flash memory 803. CPU 800 searchesthrough this user customized database using each user ID. The secondstep corresponds to generation of display information in conformancewith the performance of remote-control device 104 of the transmissiondestination. CPU 800 generates information based on the informationincluded in the remote-control device database. This remote-controldevice database is stored in flash memory 803. CPU 800 searches throughthis remote-control device database using each control apparatus ID.Transmission signal generation unit 809 converts the informationgenerated by CPU 800 into transmission signals to be transmitted toremote-control device 104. The transmission signals are supplied totransmission processing unit 810. Transmission processing unit 810carries out processing such as modulating and/or amplifying thetransmitted signal to form a transmission signal in the format that isto be actually transmitted. Transmission processing unit 810 transmitsthe transmission signal in the format that is to be actually transmittedthrough radio communication to remote-control device 104 via duplexer812 and first antenna 105.

[Communication Adaptor 108]

<Reception Process from Gateway Device 106>

Referring to FIG. 13, the program executed at communication adaptor 108includes a control configuration set forth below, in association withthe process of receiving reception information from gateway apparatus106 subsequent to power-on of communication adaptor 108.

At S68, CPU 900 reads out the activation program from ROM 901 subsequentto power-on of communication adaptor 108. CPU 900 executes theactivation program. CPU 900 waits until reception information isreceived from gateway device 106. When CPU 900 receives a radio signalfrom gateway device 106 at S69, data is generated by demodulating theradio signal. The radio signal is transmitted to CPU 900 via receptionprocessing unit 906. CPU 900 converts the communication protocol forgateway device 106 and the communication protocol for the airconditioner with respect to the supplied data. CPU 900 assigns a serialnumber to the data that has the protocol converted. Accordingly, thereceived data can be accessed in an ascending order or descending order.CPU 900 stores the data with the serial number in RAM 902.

<Transmission Process Towards Air Conditioner 111>

Referring to FIG. 14, the program executed at communication adaptor 108includes a control configuration set forth below, in association withthe process of transmitting transmission information to air conditioner111.

At S70, CPU 900 prepares for storage of the reception signal fromgateway device 106 into RAM 902. At S71, CPU 900 extracts the receptioninformation with the least recent serial number among the receptioninformation from gateway device 106, stored in RAM 902. CPU 900generates a serial number to be transmitted to air conditioner 111 basedon the extracted reception information. The serial signal is supplied totransmission signal generation unit 909. Transmission signal generationunit 904 supplies the serial signal to transmission processing unit 905.Transmission processing unit 905 forms a signal in the format that is tobe actually transmitted by a process such as modulating and/oramplifying the serial signal. Transmission processing unit 905 transmitsthe generated signal to air conditioner 111 via antenna 109 and duplexer906. The format of a packet communicated between communication adaptor108 and air conditioner 111 according to the present embodiment will bedescribed hereinafter. This packet includes an SHD area 320, an EPC area322, an ESV area 324, an EDT area 326, and an FCC area 328. SHD area 320represents the packet communication direction such as communication fromcommunication adaptor 108 towards air conditioner 111. EPC area 322includes data representing the property of the packet. For airconditioner 111, the data includes those related to air conditionercontrol, the state of the air conditioner, notification, and apparatustype information. ESV area 324 includes data representing the characterof the packet. EDT area 326 includes data representing the propertycontents. FCC area 328 includes the so-called error detection code.Determination is made whether data has been transmitted properly or notbased on this data.

<Reception Process from Air Conditioner 111>

Referring to FIG. 15, the program executed at communication adaptor 108includes a control configuration associated with the process whenreception information is received from air conditioner 111.

At S72, CPU 900 waits for reception of a serial signal from airconditioner 111. Upon receiving a serial signal from air conditioner 111at S73, reception processing unit 911 modulates the serial signal intoreception information through the process of demodulation and the like.The signal subjected to modulation is supplied to control unit 140. CPU900 assigns a serial number to the signal subjected to modulation. CPU900 stores the reception information in RAM 902.

<Transmission Process to Gateway Device 106>

Referring to FIG. 16, the program executed at communication adapter 108includes a control configuration set forth below, in association withthe process when transmission information is transmitted to gatewaydevice 106.

At S74, CPU 900 prepares for extracting reception information from airconditioner 111 at RAM 902. At S75, CPU 900 extracts the receptioninformation with the least recent serial number among the receivedinformation from air conditioner 111 stored in RAM 902. CPU 900generates transmission information directed to gateway device 109 basedon the extracted reception information. CPU 900 supplies the generatedtransmission information to transmission signal generation unit 904.Transmission signal generation unit 904 converts the transmissioninformation from CPU 900 into transmission signals for transmission togateway device 106. Transmission signal generation unit 904 suppliestransmission signals to transmission processing unit 905. Transmissionprocessing unit 905 forms signals in the format that is to be actuallytransmitted through the process of modulating and/or amplifying thetransmission signal. Transmission processing unit 905 transmits throughradio transmission the generated signal towards gateway device 106 viaduplexer 907 and antenna 109.

<<Operation of Communication System 100>>

An operation of communication system 100 will be described based on thestructure set forth above and flow charts.

<Operation Related to User Authentication>

The operation when a user enters a user ID will be described withreference to FIGS. 5, 7, 9, 17, 18, and 19.

[Operation of Remote-Control Device 104]

Key input unit 103 includes the power on/off switch. When there is aninput from this power switch when the power is OFF, the input issupplied to control unit 150 via interface 205. Control unit 150 readsout and executes the activation program from ROM 201. Control unit 150supplies the information of a screen to input a user ID to displayinformation processing unit 207. Display information processing unit 207supplies a display signal to LCD 102 based on this information (S14).FIG. 17 shows an example of an input screen displayed at LCD 102. In thescreen, the text of “user ID” and an ID number display window areprovided.

When the user operates the ten-key at key input unit 103 to enter an IDnumber (YES at S10), this input is supplied to control unit 150 viainterface 205. Control unit 150 stores the input ID number in RAM 202(S13). Control unit 150 supplies the display information correspondingto the ten-key to display information processing unit 207. Displayinformation processing unit 207 generates display signals from thedisplay information and supplies the generated display signals to LCD102 (S16). FIG. 18 shows an example of a registration screen when theuser depresses the keys of “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, and “6” of theten-key.

Key input unit 103 includes a decision key. When the user operates thedecision key (YES at S11), control unit 150 transmits the user ID andcontrol apparatus ID to gateway device 106 as the transmissioninformation (S12). Remote-control device 104 has a control apparatus IDunique to that device stored in advance. Thus, user authenticationinformation including a user ID and control apparatus ID is transmittedfrom remote-control device 104 to gateway device 106.

[Operation of Gateway Device 106]

When user authentication information is received from remote-controldevice 104 (YES at S53), control unit 113 searches through the userauthentication database based on the user ID included in theinformation. Control unit 113 extracts application informationrepresenting an image of a list of applications that can be used by theuser with the user ID transmitted from control remote device 104.Control unit 113 searches through the remote-control device databasebased on the received control apparatus ID. Based on the searchedresult, control unit 113 extracts the specification of remote-controldevice 104 corresponding to the transmission source of the information.Control unit 113 generates transmission information from the applicationinformation according to the extracted specification. Control unit 113supplies the generated transmission information to transmission signalgeneration unit 809 (S54). Furthermore, control unit 113 updates theuser access database using the user ID and control apparatus ID includedin the received user authentication information. Upon transmission ofthe application display information to remote-control device 104 bygateway device 106, a screen for selecting an operable application isdisplayed at LCD 102. FIG. 19 shows an example of LCD 102 in such acase.

<Operation Associated with Application Selection>

An operation of selecting an application by the user will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 5, 7 and 19.

[Operation of Remote-Control Device 104]

Since information of an application of which usage is permitted,determined based on the transmitted user ID and control apparatus ID, isoutput from gateway device 106 (YES at S15), control unit 150 ofremote-control device 104 receives this information. In the presentembodiment, that information is written in the description language ofxml (Extensible Markup Language). Control unit 150 supplies thatinformation to display information processing unit 207. Displayinformation processing unit 207 forms display signals from the displayinformation, and supplies the display signals to LCD 102. Accordingly,display information transmitted from gateway device 106 in radio signalsappears at the display screen of LCD 102 (S16). FIG. 19 shows an exampleof the display of LCD 102 in such a case. The application executed onthe currently operable gateway device includes an air conditionerapplication, television application, washing machine application,weather application, and news application. LCD 102 shows the labels ofthese applications, divided in rectangular frames. The reason why thenews application is displayed is that, when display signals aretransmitted to LCD 102, control unit 150 supplies to display informationprocessing unit 207 the information to operate the event informationstored in RAM 202. In LCD 102 of FIG. 19, the frame corresponding to theair conditioner is in highlight. When the user operates the crisscrossarrow key of key input unit 103 while referring to the menu (YES atS10), the input operation is supplied to control unit 150 via interface205. Control unit 150 supplies display information corresponding to thekey input to display information processing unit 207. The highlight ofthe rectangular frame is shifted to another frame according to theoperation. Such control is effected by supplying the display informationgenerated by an input through key input unit 103 to display informationprocessing unit 207 by control unit 150. When the decision key at theinput unit is operated when the frame of the air conditioner ishighlighted on LCD 102 (YES at S11), control unit 150 generates andsupplies to transmission signal generation unit 214 the transmissioninformation. Transmission signal generation unit 214 converts thetransmission information from control unit 150 into transmission signalsfor transmission to gateway device 106. The transmission signals aresupplied to transmission processing unit 213. Transmission processingunit 213 forms transmission signals in the format that is to be actuallytransmitted through a process such as modulating and/or amplifying thesupplied transmission signals. The generated transmission signals aretransmitted in radio communication towards gateway device 106 viacommunication antenna 101 (S12). When the transmission information is tobe transmitted to gateway device 106, the user ID input by the user andthe control apparatus ID stored in ROM 201 of remote-control device 104are transmitted, included in the transmission information, as will bedescribed afterwards. Gateway device 106 can identify whichremote-control device 104 is operated by what user through these IDs. Inthis case, control unit 150 transmits to gateway device 106 theinformation indicative of the air conditioner application being selected(S12).

[Operation of Gateway Device 106]

When the control apparatus ID and user ID are received fromremote-control device 104 through the process of steps S50-S52 (YES atS53), control unit 113 selects an application that can be used. Theappropriate application is selected by referring to the database.Control unit 113 transmits the application information to operate theapplication to remote-control device 104 (S54).

<Operation in the Event of Operating Air Conditioner 111>

An operation of manipulating an air conditioner by the user will bedescribed hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 5, 9, 10, 20 and 21.

[Operation of Remote-Control Device 104]

CPU 800 of gateway device 106 that executes the air conditionerapplication receives information (NO at S53) indicative of the airconditioner application being selected from remote-control device 104(in the present embodiment, this information is one type of operationinformation), and transmits information representing a menu to operatethe air conditioner application to remote-control device 104 (S55). CPU200 of remote-control device 104 generates the display information(S20). An example of a display screen at LCD 102 displayed in responseto control unit 150 supplying the display information to displayinformation processing unit 207, from the information to operate the airconditioner application, received from gateway device 106, will bedescribed hereinafter with reference to FIG. 20. The text of a “button”appears at the right side of the text of “OPERATION MODE”. The “button”currently shows “COOLING”. This “button” is displayed in a bold frame.This implies the current selection of that button. By operating thecrisscross arrow key at key input unit 103 in the horizontal direction,the user can select an appropriate operation mode such as “cooling”,“heating”, “dehumidify, and the like. A similar “button” is displayed atthe right side to the text of “TEMPERATURE SETTING”. The “button” can beselected by operating the crisscross arrow key in the verticaldirection. The temperature setting can be set in the step of 1° C. byoperating the crisscross arrow key horizontally. When the decision keyat key input unit 103 is operated when a button displaying“TRANSMISSION” is selected (YES at S11), CPU 200 transmits theinstruction information to gateway device 106 (S12).

The information transmitted from gateway device 106 is displayed at theupper region frame on the display screen of LCD 102. It is shown thatthe temperature sensor of air conditioner 111 is currently sensing 15°C. Further, it is also shown that air conditioner 111 is in a coolingoperation mode with the temperature setting of 10° C. The time displayframe 904 located at the left and lower region of the display screenrepresents the time (10 o'clock; 11 minutes; 30 seconds) correspondingto the time when gateway device 106 has generated the information tooperate the air conditioner application. By confirming the time, theuser can recognize the operating state of air conditioner 111 even whenhe/she is located at a site where air conditioner 111 cannot be vieweddirectly. An operation to realize such display will be describedafterwards.

[Operation of Gateway Device 106]

(In the Event of Transmitting Control Information to CommunicationAdaptor 108)

When LCD 102 provides a display screen as shown in FIG. 20, for example,at remote-control device 104, selection of the “TRANSMISSION” button byoperating the cursor key, followed by operation of the decision key (YESat S11), as described in the operation of remote-control device 104,will cause information to be transmitted from remote-control device 104to gateway device 106 (S12). The reception information fromremote-control device 104 always includes a user ID and controlapparatus ID. Upon reception of the instruction information (YES atS57), control unit 113 executing the air conditioner applicationsearches through the user authentication database stored in flash memory803. CPU 800 of control unit 113 confirms that the user ID included inthe instruction information is registered as the user ID of the userthat can use an air conditioner application through such a search (YESat S58). Upon such confirmation, CPU 800 generates control informationdirected to controlling air conditioner 111 based on the operationinformation included in the instruction information (S59). It is assumedthat the received information is control information indicative ofraising the temperature setting of air conditioner 111 by 1° C. CPU 800carries out in advance information processing even in the case wherecontrol information is to be transmitted to air conditioner 111. By suchinformation processing, the contents of the control information willdirectly or approximately correspond to the operation of air conditioner111. By conducting information processing in advance, high-level controlis allowed without the need to incorporate a high-level control systemin an appliance such as air conditioner 111. Upon generation of controlinformation, CPU 800 determines whether the generated controlinformation is to be transmitted to air conditioner 111 or not (S60).When determination is made that the information is to be transmitted toair conditioner 111 (YES at S60), CPU 800 supplies the controlinformation to transmission signal processing unit 809 (S61).

(In the Event of Not Transmitting Control Information to CommunicationAdaptor 108)

Confirmation is made whether the received user ID is registered as theuser ID of a user that can use the air conditioner application (YES atS58). Upon such confirmation, CPU 800 generates control informationdirected to controlling air conditioner 111 from the operationinformation included in the reception information (S59). CPU 800identifies which control information the received informationcorresponds to by a search. Upon identification of the controlinformation, CPU 800 carries out image processing corresponding to thatcontrol information. It is now assumed that the received information iscontrol information indicative of requesting presentation of theaccumulated amount of power consumption by air conditioner 111. In thepresent embodiment, the accumulated power consumption of the airconditioner can be presented in accordance with the air conditionerapplication. Air conditioner 111 can measure the instantaneous powerconsumption amount. CPU 800 executing the air conditioner applicationcaused the air conditioner to periodically measure the power consumptionof the air conditioner main unit. CPU 800 receives the result thereof.The data representing the result is stored in flash memory 803. CPU 800can meet the request by fetching the power consumption amount that hasbeen periodically stored from flash memory 803 and calculate the total.Upon generation of control information, CPU 800 determines whether thegenerated control information is information to be transmitted to airconditioner 111 or not (S60). When determination is made that theinformation is not to be transmitted to air conditioner 111 (NO at S60),CPU 800 generates display information representing the control result(S62). The display information is customized corresponding to the user.The display information is customized based on the information includedin the user customized database of the air conditioner application. CPU800 further customizes the display information according to thespecification of remote-control display 104. The informationrepresenting the specification is included in the remote-control devicedatabase. This information is extracted by searching through theremote-control device database based on the received control apparatusID. CPU 800 generates transmission information from the customizeddisplay information.

(In the Event of Transmitting Information Received From CommunicationAdaptor 108)

An operation of realizing the display shown in FIG. 20 will be describedhereinafter. This is allowed by receiving information from communicationadaptor 108 at gateway device 106. When information is received fromcommunication adaptor 108 (YES at S64) and determination is made thatthe information is not event information (NO at S65), CPU 800 identifieswhich control information that information corresponds to. In thepresent embodiment, that information is the setting informationrepresenting the setting at the current stage, transmitted from airconditioner 111. CPU 800 extracts the user ID and control apparatus IDof the transmission destination. CPU 800 searches through the usercustomized database for air conditioner 111 stored in flash memory 803by a user ID. CPU 800 generates display information according to theuser from the setting information. CPU 800 searches through theremote-control device database by a control apparatus ID. CPU 800supplies the display information to transmission signal generation unit809 (S67). Display information is processed in conformance with theperformance of remote-control device 104 of the transmissiondestination. By receiving this information at remote-control device 104,a display, as shown in FIG. 20, is allowed. A different screen can bedisplayed according to the transmission destination, besides that ofFIG. 20. Another example of a display screen at LCD 102, based on thetransmission information transmitted to remote-control device 104, willbe described with reference to FIG. 21.

[Operation of Communication Adaptor 108]

An operation of communication adaptor 108 in the event of transmittingthe data received from gateway device 106 as a serial signal to airconditioner 111 will be described hereinafter.

Upon reception of a radio signal from reception processing unit 906 (YESat S68), CPU 900 demodulates the radio signal to generate data. CPU 900assigns a serial number to the generated data. Accordingly, the receiveddata can be accessed in the ascending order or descending order ofinput. CPU 900 stores the data with the serial number in RAM 902 (S69).CPU 900 converts the data into signals when there is data with a serialnumber assigned in RAM 902 (YES at S70). CPU 900 transmits the data inthe form of signals (S71). Air conditioner 111 operates based on thetransmitted data.

<Operation of Collecting and Administering Event>

An operation of manipulating the air conditioner by the user will bedescribed hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 8, 12, 15, 16, 19, 20 and22.

[Operation of Communication Adaptor 108]

An operation of communication adaptor 108 in the event of transmittingthe data as signals to gateway apparatus 106 from air conditioner 111will be described hereinafter.

When the internal information has changed or when there is a requestfrom gateway device 106, air conditioner 111 notifies gateway device 106of event information under the control of air conditioner application.Change in the internal information includes the case where the power ofair conditioner 111, for example, is turned on. Air conditioner 111notifies the event information using a serial signal. The serial signalfrom air conditioner 111 is supplied to reception processing unit 911via interface 912 (S72). CPU 900 stores the supplied data in RAM 902.CPU 900 sets a serial number in correspondence with the stored receptioninformation (S73). Accordingly, the received data can be accessed in anascending order or descending order of input.

When reception information is stored in RAM 902 (YES at S74), CPU 900sequentially gains access to the information from the least recent one.CPU 900 generates transmission information for transmission to gatewaydevice 102 based on the accessed reception information. The transmissioninformation is supplied to transmission signal generation unit 904.Transmission signal generation unit 904 converts the transmission signalfrom CPU 900 into transmission signals for transmission to gatewaydevice 106. Transmission signal generation circuit 904 supplies thetransmission signal to transmission processing unit 905. Transmissionprocessing unit 905 applies a process such as modulating and/oramplifying the transmission signal to form a signal in the format thatis to be actually transmitted. Transmission processing unit 905transmits through radio communication the generated signal to gatewaydevice 106 via duplexer 907 and antenna 109 (S75).

[Operation of Gateway Device 106]

(In the Event of Air Conditioner Application)

The process of CPU 800 using the air conditioner application for airconditioner 111 in the event of receiving information from communicationadaptor 108 will be described hereinafter.

Upon receiving reception information from communication adaptor 108 (YESat S64), CPU 800 determines whether the reception information is eventinformation or not (S65). When determination is made of eventinformation (YES at S65), CPU 800 searches for the user ID that isallowed to use the air conditioner application from the userauthentication database stored in RAM 802. Control unit 113 generatesevent information only for remote-control device 104 that is required tobe transmitted. The control device ID or user ID of remote-controldevice 104 that is to be transmitted is identified by searching throughthe application database. CPU 800 searches for the user ID and controlapparatus ID from the user access database stored in RAM 802. All theuser IDs of users that can use the air conditioner application amongthose currently in access with gateway device 106 as well as the controlapparatus IDs of operating remote-control device 104 are extracted. CPU800 generates respective event information addressed to remote-controldevice 104 with such control apparatus IDs. CPU 800 supplies thegenerated event information to transmission signal generation unit 809(S66). At this stage, CPU 800 searches through the user customizeddatabase for air conditioner 111 stored in flash memory 803. CPU 800generates the display information in accordance with the user. CPU 800searches through the remote-control device database. CPU 800 generatesdisplay information representing the event information by processing thedisplay information in conformance with the performance of remotedisplay device 104 of the transmission destination.

(In the Event of News Application)

There is the case where control unit 113 transmits the event informationto remote-control device 104 based on the algorithm of respectiveexecuted applications. For example, control unit 113 executing a newsapplication transmits the event information to remote control device 104that is operated by the user upon receiving the latest news. The purposeof this operation is to notify the news to the user. The newsapplication is executed by control unit 113 in order to establishcommunication with the service provider that presents the news on theInternet through a telephone line.

Control unit 113 executing the news application searches through theuser authentication database stored in flash memory 803 based on theapplication ID of the news application to extract the user ID that ispermitted of usage. Based on this user ID, the user access database issearched through to extract a control apparatus ID. Thus, the newsapplication extracts the control apparatus ID of remote-control device104 operated by the user that is permitted of usage of the application.Control unit 113 generates event information based on this controlapparatus ID. Control unit 113 supplies the generated event informationto the transmission signal generation unit.

[Operation of Remote-Control Device 104]

Based on respective applications executed on gateway device 106, eventinformation is transmitted to remote-control device 104 (S17). Uponreception of the event information at remote-control device 104 (YES atS18), control unit 150 stores the event information into RAM 202 (S19).In the present embodiment, remote-control device 104 receives the eventinformation of “The room temperature has reached the temperature settingof 15° C.” at 10:10 based on the air conditioner application, the eventinformation of “Mail from father” at 10:03 based on the mailapplication, the event information of “Rinsing will end in 10 minutes”at 9:56 based on the washing machine application, and the eventinformation of “XXX news” indicating the presence of recent news at 9:30based on the XXX news application.

<In the Event of Displaying Event Information>

[Operation of Remote-Control Device 104]

When the user selects a rectangular frame in which the event label isdisplayed through an operation at key input unit 103 (S10), as in FIG.19, for example, and the decision key is operated (YES at S11), controlunit 150 generates display information from the event information storedin RAM 202 (S16). An example of LCD 102 displaying this displayinformation is shown in FIG. 22. The event information set forth aboveis displayed.

[Operation of Gateway Device 106]

CPU 800 conducts radio communication with communication adaptor 108connected to air conditioner 111. This is an event information requestprocess. CPU 800 receives information representing the operation stateof air conditioner 111 and the sensor measurement value fromcommunication adaptor 108 (S64). These values correspond to the eventinformation. CPU 800 supplies the event information to transmissionsignal generation unit 809 (S66). The event information here includesinformation representing the time when the information is received fromair conditioner 111. Accordingly, the air conditioner data receptiontime can be displayed at LCD 102, as shown in FIG. 20.

Communication system 100 set forth above can provide the followingadvantages.

<Remote-Control, Control Confirmation>

The user can control the air conditioner through radio communicationeven from a site remote from the air conditioner by means of a gatewaydevice. Furthermore, the operation status of the air conditioner can beidentified by receiving information simultaneously from the airconditioner main unit at the remote-control device.

In the case where application software is incorporated, obtaining thelatest news information upon connection to the Internet throughtelephone line 112, as an application software executed at the controlunit of the gateway device, event information can be transmitted to theremote-control device when the latest news is obtained to allow thelatest news to be presented to the user based on the application.

Furthermore, the user is allowed to operate the application executed bythe gateway device. By operating the application that operates anappliance such as an air conditioner, respective appliances can beoperated.

In the case where a plurality of appliances are controlled from remotesites, it is no longer necessary to use the remote controller equippedwith each appliance. Accordingly, administration of the location of theremote controller is facilitated. The user has to carry only one remotecontroller for the control of an appliance.

<Restriction Through ID>

An application that is allowed to be used depending upon the user can beprovided by administrating the user ID, remote-control device ID, andapplication software at the gateway device. For example, in the casewhere there are a plurality of appliances in a child's room and radiocommunication is established with the gateway device through acommunication adaptor, it is possible to restrict the usage of theappliances in the child's room to only the user with the child's ID.

<Low Cost Through Adaptor and Application>

By using a communication adaptor of light load directed to only theprocessing of protocol conversion for communication with a gatewaydevice, and transmitting a control signal from the application softwareexecuted at the gateway device, complex control of appliances can beconducted through the application software. For example, the applicationdirected to operating the air conditioner can obtain and store the powerconsumption information from the air conditioner to calculate how muchpower has been used in time series, and notify the same to the user.

In addition, desired control of an appliance corresponding to the needsof each user can be effected readily by exchanging the software withanother software. For example, a user that does not require complicatedcontrol can control the air conditioner using an air conditionerapplication that includes only simple control information.

In addition, by using software that includes a plurality of types ofdisplay information and that can have the display informationcustomized, the user can select and/or customize intentional displayinformation suiting his/her preference.

In addition, an application directed to controlling a plurality ofapparatuses in an integrated manner can be executed and used on agateway device. For example, in the case where a plurality of airconditioners, heaters, electric fans, and the like of domestic usage cancommunicate with a gateway device through a communication adaptor suchas the air conditioner of the present embodiment, the air condition in aroom can be administered in an integrated manner by using an applicationintegrating these appliances.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spiritand scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms ofthe appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Since an appliance connected to a network and absent of a high-levelcircuit can be controlled at high level as set forth above, the presentinvention can be advantageously applied to the field of industry such asfabricating an apparatus directed to processing information.

1. A remote control device for establishing radio communication with arelay device, said relay device including a storage unit for storing aplurality of application programs respectively directed to control ofappliances, comprising: a transmission unit for transmitting firstsignals to said relay device; a reception unit for receiving secondsignals from said relay device; a display displaying a screen; and acontrol unit controlling said remote control device to communicate withsaid relay device by said first and second signals, said control unitincluding, a first transmission control unit for transmitting said useridentification information identifying a user operating said remotecontrol device and control device identification information identifyingsaid remote control device, a first reception control unit for receivinga plurality of application menus respectively indicating said pluralityof application programs, a first display control unit for causing saiddisplay unit to display said plurality of application menus, a selectionunit selecting one of said plurality of application menus displayed atsaid display unit in response to a first instruction from said user, asecond transmission control unit for transmitting said selectedapplication menu to said relay device, a second reception control unitfor receiving, from said relay device, application operation informationfrom said application program corresponding to said selected applicationmenu, a second display control unit for causing said display unit todisplay an operation screen based on said application operationinformation, an operation determination unit for determining anoperation with respect to said application program based on a secondinstruction from said user, and a third transmission control unit fortransmitting to said relay device instruction information correspondingto said determined operation determined.
 2. The remote control deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said application operation informationincludes internal state information of said appliance under control ofsaid application program, and said second display control unit causessaid display unit to said internal state information.
 3. The remotecontrol device according to claim 1, wherein said application operationinformation includes internal state information of said appliance undercontrol of said application program, and time information correspondingto measurement of said internal state information, and said seconddisplay control unit causes said display unit to display said internalstate information and said time information.